By Aazam Ameen
Measures are currently underway to legalise the cultivation and export of medicinal marijuana in Sri Lanka, which Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Diana Gamage deems as an “absolute necessity” for the country, The Morning learnt.
Speaking to The Morning, Gamage stated that an act is currently being prepared to this effect and the subject is in continuous discussion with the nation’s top Ayurvedic doctors.
She also highlighted that the global cannabis industry is one that is worth billions of dollars, and Sri Lanka needs to capitalise on the same which will assist in the nation's ability to settle international debts.
“We are talking about a huge industry. I am not just referring to export only for medicinal purposes. From beauty products to fast moving consumable goods (FMCGs) and food and drink, cannabis is used in numerous industries,” she said.
When queried on her thoughts on the recreational use of cannabis in Sri Lanka, Gamage stated that classifying cannabis as a drug is where “it all went wrong”.
“If you look back at our history, there has never been an issue with anyone using cannabis for recreational purposes in Sri Lanka. The people of this country were brainwashed by the British who banned this. Today, we see so many citizens who are addicted to all kinds of other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Categorising cannabis as a drug is where it all went wrong for us,” she stated.
Gamage also noted that even though cannabis use is illegal in the country, many people use it. However, she stated that most recreational users tend to use cannabis which is adulterated with chemicals.
In April this year, she proposed in Parliament that Sri Lanka should legalise the cultivation and export of medicinal cannabis to other countries. However, her proposal was met with strong criticism. In response to this, Gamage expressed to The Morning that there is no room for such criticisms.
“People criticise everything in this country, that is just the norm. It is accepted globally, over 50 countries engage in cannabis cultivation. It is essential for our Ayurvedic treatments as well. There is nothing to criticise about it. Once this is fully implemented and after the people see the benefits, they will understand that it was a correct decision to make,” she said.
Addressing her proposal in Parliament, she noted that none of the clergy came forward with criticisms.
“They (clergy) themselves believe that this is a medical necessity. Cultivation of cannabis does not require a lot of resources. If it is to result in huge sums of revenue which we can use to settle our debts, I don’t see why we should not move forward with this,” she reiterated.
Gamage noted that she plans on continuously pursuing this initiative and will stand as an advocate for the cause.
Earlier this year, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, speaking at a public gathering held in Monaragala, stated that a policy-level decision has to be taken as far as relaxing the laws pertaining to cannabis in Sri Lanka is concerned.
Cannabis cultivation and export act soon: MP Diana Gamage
12 Jul 2021
Cannabis cultivation and export act soon: MP Diana Gamage
12 Jul 2021
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